Method of stripping clearer rolls



June 26, 1956 a. w. MITCHELL 2,752,273

METHOD OF STRIPPING CLEARER ROLLS Filed Oct. 13, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEYS June 26, 1956 G. w. MITCHELL METHOD OF STRIPFING CLEARER ROLLS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 13, 1955 ML mu w E T VI WM W E G R 0 E G gjbmm/ a ATTORNEYS June 26, 1956 s. w. MITCHELL 2,752,273

METHOD OF STRIPPING CLEARER ROLLS Filed Oct. 15, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 GEORGE W. Mn'cuEu. INVENTOR. 9|

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ATTORNEYS June 26, 1956 G. w. MITCHELL 2,752,273

METHOD OF STRIPPING CLEARER ROLLS Filed Oct. 13, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 1219 z INVENTOR:

GEORGE W. MITCHELL.

BY g' Lv\@w ATTORNEYS June 26, 1956 G. w. MITCHELL 2,752,273

METHOD OF STRIPFING CLEARER ROLLS Filed Oct. 13, 1955 e Sheets-Sheet e we EQRGE W. Mwcmzu, INVENTOR.

if gidd ATTORNEYS Unite States Patent METHOD OF STRIPPING CLEARER ROLLS George W. Mitchell, Lockhart, S. C.

Original application January 14, 1953, Serial No. 331,253. Divided and this application October 13, 1955, Serial No. 540,273

7 Claims. (Cl. 134--21) This invention relates to an improved method for stripping accumulations of textile fibers, strand material and the like from clearer rolls, bobbins and the like.

This application is a division of my copending application, Serial Number 331,253, filed January 14, 1953, and entitled Clearer Roll Stripping Apparatus.

As is well known to those familiar with the art, many textile machines, such as spinning frames, twisters, drawing frames and the like are provided with removable clearer rolls which usually engage the drawing rolls or feed rolls of such machines. The clearer rolls are usually provided with a fibrous covering or a plurality of closely spaced cots or bosses of relatively soft material to which fragments of yarn and excess textile fibers adhere in a random manner; that is, some fibers may be parallel to others, some may be at various angles, some may be loose and others may be clinging tightly to the clearer rolls.

More recently, the cots or bosses of clearer rolls have been made from a relatively soft or a resilient coating, such as plush adhesively applied thereto.

Heretofore, one method of removing the residual or waste random textile fibers and strand material from such clearer rolls has involved the employment of a knife or a similar instrument manually wielded by a skilled operator whereby the residual body was severed to facilitate its removal from the clearer rolls or the bosses or cots thereof.

While this method has been relatively satisfactory in some instances, it has not only been slow and hence expensive from the point of view of labor cost, but due to the soft texture of the cots or bosses, which have more recently been formed from a sponge or foam rubber, it has been practically impossible to sever the residual body carried by such cots without injury to the surface of the cots and, as a matter of fact, the sponge or foam rubber is so soft as to be unwieldy, thereby further extending the time required to remove the residual or waste textile fibers from the clearer rolls.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved method of removing or stripping accumulations of textile fibers, strand material and the like from clearer rolls which includes feeding clearer rolls, one at a time, onto and between a pair of stripper rolls, creating suction currents adjacent the periphery of each successive clearer roll so positioned while rotating the stripper rolls to drive the corresponding clearer roll first in one direction for substantially parallelizing or smoothing out the fibers thereon and then reversing the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls to thereby impart rotation to the clearer roll in the opposite direction for a predetermined period of time, whereby the fibers are drawn off the clearer roll by the suction currents. Thereafter, the clearer roll from which the fibers have been removed is ejected from upon and between the stripper rolls and a succeeding stripper roll is then fed onto and between the stripper rolls.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds,

when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred form of clearer roll stripping apparatus for carrying out the steps of the improved method;

Figure l-A is an enlarged fragmentary plan view similar to the right-hand portion of Figure l, omitting the stripper rolls and supports therefor, and showing the nozzle of the suction device;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the roll stripping apparatus looking up at the lower side of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged front elevation of the clearer roll stripping apparatus looking at the right-hand side of Figure 2 with parts broken away to show the mechanism disposed within the lower front portion of the cabinet;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 in Figure 3 and showing the manner in which clearer rolls in the magazine are restrained from moving off the end of the inclined chute comprising said magazine while another clearer roll is being operated upon by the stripper mechanism;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the upper end or nozzle of the suction device shown in the upper right-hand portion of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a detail, with parts in section, taken substantially along line 66 in Figure 4, but omitting the clearer rolls;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7 in Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a detail of the means for driving the stripper rolls, showing portions of the cabinet in cross-section and being taken substantially along line 8-8 in Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a somewhat schematic enlarged fragmentary sectional plan view taken substantially along line 99 in Figure 8, but omitting the cabinet and showing the means for controlling the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 1ti1tl in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along line 1111 in Figure 9;

Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, mostly in elevation, taken substantially along line 12-12 in Figure 10;

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the manner in which corresponding ends of the stripper rolls are rotatably supported, partly in elevation, and being taken substantially along line 13-13 in Figure 6;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 1414 in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is an enlarged partially exploded isometric view, with parts broken away and in cross-section, showing the manner in which the stripper rolls are supported and looking in the general direction of the arrow 15 in Figure 1;

Figure 16 is an isometric view of the cabinet of the apparatus with the magazine thereon, but omitting the stripper roll supports or stands and the stripper rolls for purposes of clarity, and showing the front and top of the cabinet and the opposite side of the cabinet from that shown in Figure 2;

Figure 17 is a sectional plan view of the cabinet of the apparatus taken substantially along line 17-17 in Figure 16 and omitting all of the parts disposed within the cabinet for purposes of clarity;

Figure 18 is a diagram of the electrical circuit for the roll stripping apparatus wherein the associated mechanical parts are shown schematically.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of an improved machine for carrying out the improved method of removing residual fibers, waste and the like from clearer rolls is illustrated. The machine includes a cabinet and magazine construction, a magazine roll transfer mechanism, a stripping mechanism, means for driving the stripper rolls, a clearer roll ejector mechanism, a suction or vacuum cleaning device and an electrical circuit for controlling operation of the various movable elements of the machine in proper timed relationship. The machine will now be described in detail.

Cabinet and magazine construction The cabinet is formed in two sections; namely, a front section broadly designated at 16 and a rear section broadly designated at 11 (Figure 17). The sections and 11 of the cabinet are preferably made of a thin sheet material, such as sheet metal and the front section comprises a front wall 12, side Walls 13 and 14 and curved corner portions 15, 16, 17 and 18. The proximal edges of the corner portions 15 and 17 are suitably secured to the distal edges of the side wall 13 and the proximal edges of the corner portions 16 and 18 are suitably secured to the distal edges of the side wall 14. The proximal edges of the corner portions 15 and 16 also serve as jambs for respective doors 21 and 22 hingedly connected to the corner portions 15 and 16.

The proximal edges of the corner portions 17 and 18 are suitably secured to the distal side edges of a dividing panel, partition or wall 23 to which the front edges of side walls 24 and 25 of the rear section 11 of the cabinet are suitably secured. The rear edges of the side walls 24 and 25 are suitably secured to respective curved corner portions 26 and 27 whose proximal edges are suitably secured to the distal side edges of a rear panel or wall 30. The rear corner member or portion 26 of the rear cabinet section 11 also serves as a jamb for a suitable door 31 hingedly connected to the corner member 26.

It will be observed in Figures 2 and 16 that the side walls 24 and 25 of the rear cabinet section 11 extend upwardly beyond the level of the upper edges of the vertical walls of the front cabinet section 1t) and support a magazine broadly designated at 32, which will be presently described in detail. A flanged top wall or cover 33 is suitably secured to, and extends outwardly beyond, the upper edges of the side walls 13 and 14, front wall 12 and corner portions or members 15 to 18, inclusive, of the front cabinet section 19.

The top wall or cover 33 is substantially rectangular in plan with arcuate corners and has an elongated slot 28 therein (Figure 16) which extends transversely of the general longitudinal axis of the machine. The top wall 33 also has a relatively short forwardly and rearwardly extending slot 29 therein disposed adjacent one end of the transverse slot 28.

Generally, the magazine 32 comprises a plurality of superposed inclined chutes or platforms and means for directing the clearer rolls, bobbins or the like successively from the uppermost of the inclined platforms or chutes into the lowermost inclined platform or chute. In this instance, there are three superposed inclined platforms or chutes shown in Figures 2, 3 and 16; namely, an upper platform or chute 33a, and intermediate platform or chute 34 and a lower or bottom platform or chute 35.

The front and rear ends of the respective chutes 34 and 35 each has respective substantially semicircular portions 36 and 37 thereon. The portion 36 curves upwardly and then rearwardly in spaced overlapping relation to the front lower edge of the forwardly and downwardly inclined upper chute 330. Of course, the curved portion 37 of the forwardly and downwardly inclined bottom chute 35 curves upwardly in spaced parallel relation to the rear edge of the intermediate rearwardly and downwardly inclined chute 34 and the upper edge of the curved portion 37 of the bottom chute 35 is disposed in spaced overlapping relation to the rear edge of the intermediate chute 34.

The lowermost or bottom chute 35 is of substantially greater width than the upper and intermediate chutes 33a and 34, respectively, and overhangs the walls of the rear cabinet section 11 and is suitably secured to the upper edges of the side walls 24 and 25, the rear wall 30 and a front wall portion 40 (Figure 4) of the rear cabinet section 11. Opposite side edges of the upper and intermediate platforms or chutes 33a and 34 of the magazine 32 and the arcuate portions 36 and 37 of the intermediate and bottom platforms or chutes 34 and 35 are suitably supported as by inverted substantially U-shaped frame members 41 and 42 suitably secured to the bottom platform or chute 35.

In order to maintain the clearer rolls or the like, indicated at R (Figures 4 and 18), in proper alignment with the stripper mechanism, to be later described, each of the inclined chutes or platforms has a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending guide bars 44 and 45 suitably adjustably secured to the upper surface thereof as by screws 46. Each of the platforms or chutes 33a, 34 and 35 has a plurality of holes 47 therein in transverse alinement with each of the screws or bolts 46 to facilitate adjustment of the guide bars 44 and 45 to vary the distance therebetwcen according to the length of the rolls R.

Magazine roll transfer mechanism It is evident that the rolls R are placed upon the uppermost or top chute or platform 33a, between the corresponding guide bars 44 and 45, and roll, by gravity, along the chute 33a and are directed onto the chute 34 by its arcuate portion 36, from whence they roll, by gravity, along the intermediate chute 34 and are directed onto the bottom chute 35 by its curved portion 37.

In order to arrest the leading roll R, a magazine roll transfer mechanism, broadly designated at 50, is provided (Figures 3, 4, 6, 7 and 18). The bottom platform or chute 35 has a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced parallel transverse slots 51 and 52 therein through which respective roll arresting bars 53 and 54 alternately pass. These roll arresting bars 53 and 54 may also be termed as roll releasing or transfer bars.

The roll arresting and releasing bars 53 and 54 are preferably spaced from each other a distance substantially equal to the diameter of each of the rolls R, although this is not absolutely necessary and the distance may substantially vary. Each of the arresting bars 53 and S4 is suitably secured to the upper ends of respective pairs of transversely spaced arresting bar supports or rods 55 and 56 (Figures 4, 6 and 18), each of which is mounted for vertical sliding movement in a substantially vertical guide block 57. The guide blocks 57 are carried by a transverse frame member 59 which spans the distance between, and is suitably secured to, the proximal surfaces of the side walls 24 and 25 of the rear cabinet section 11.

Each of the arresting bar supports or rods 55 and 56 is substantially U-shaped (Figure 6) thereby forming a horizontal or lateral portion 68 and an upwardly projecting outer portion 61 on each of the rods 55 and 56. The upwardly projecting portions 61 are also mounted for vertical sliding movement in the transverse frame member 59. A bearing block 63 is disposed between each adjacent pair of the guide members 57 and depends from the transverse frame member 59. The lower ends of the bearing blocks 63 have a rocker shaft 64 oscillatably mounted therein on which rocker arms or cranks 65 are fixedly mounted intermediate the ends thereof.

Each of the rocker arms or cranks 65 has a pair of upwardly and outwardly diverging spaced slots 66 and 67 therein (Figures 4 and 18) through which the portions 69 of the respective arresting bar supports 55 and 56 extend. Opposite ends of the rocker shaft 64 have crank arms 69 and 70 fixed thereon. The free end of the crank arm 69 has the lower end of tension spring 71 connected thereto (Figures 6 and 18) whose upper end is suitably connected to the transverse frame member 59 and which, therefore, normally urges shaft 64 and its rocker arms 65 in a counterclockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18 and, thus, normally urges the front or lowermost arresting bar 53 to raised or operative position shown in Figures 4, 6 and 18. Thus, the arresting bar 53 normally prevents the rolls R from passing off of the front end of the bottom chute or platform 35.

Since the rear arresting bar supports 56 are of substantially the same length as the front arresting bar supports 55, it is evident that the spring 71 also normally urges the rear arresting bar 54 to a lowered or inoperative position, below the level of the upper surface of the bottom platform or chute 35, as shown in Figure 4.

It will be observed, in the left-hand portion of Figure 6, that the free end of the crank arm 70 has the upper end of a link 72 pivotally connected thereto which extends downwardly and is pivotally connected to the upper end of a solenoid plunger 73 whose lower portion is disposed within a solenoid coil 74 suitably secured to an angle clip or bracket 75. The angle clip or bracket 75 is suitably secured to the rear surface of the partition 23 and has wires or conductors 76 and 77 connected to opposite ends thereof (Figures 4, 6 and 18). The solenoid coil 74 and wires 76 and 77 are parts of the electrical circuit to be later described.

Stripping mechanism Upon energization of the solenoid coil 74, the rocker shaft 64 is moved in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18 to lower the front arresting bar 53 to inoperative position as the rear arresting bar 54 is raised to operative position and to thereby release the leading roll R which was previously engaged by the front arresting bar 53 and to also prevent the rolls in back of the leading roll R from moving down the inclined bottom chute 35. The leading roll R then rolls down the inclined chute 35 and is thereby transferred onto a pair of closely spaced parallel stripper rolls 80 and 81 of the stripper mechanism.

The rolls 80 and 81 extend transversely of the machine and are spaced horizontally to form an opening therebetween wherein the distance between the stripper rolls 8!) and 81 is slightly less than the diameter of the rolls R. Of course, a single stripper roll could be used instead of the two rolls 80 and 81, although it would probably be necessary to provide other guide means for maintaining the clearer rolls in contact with a single stripper roll. One form of other guide means may include curved guide bars extending from the chute 35 to the stripper roll. As a matter of fact, either of the stripper rolls 80 or 81 may be considered broadly as means to maintain each successive clearer roll R in engagement with the other of said stripper rolls. At the time that each successive roll is advanced to the stripper rolls 80 and 81, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 are being driven in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18. Thus, each successive roll R falls off the free front edge of the bottom inclined platform or chute 35 and its momentum, combined with the direction of rotation of the rear stripper roll 80, causes the roll R to be acted upon to be positioned between, and in engagement with the proximal portions of, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 as shown in the right-hand portion of Figure 4.

In order to assist in establishing frictional contact between the roll R, as it is being cleaned, and the stripper rolls 80 and 81, the peripheral surfaces of the rolls 80 and 81 are roughened or knurled, as at 82 (Figures 3 and 15), which also assists in parallelizing or flattening the random fibers or strands which may have been previously collected on the rolls or bobbins R.

Due to the fact that the spacing between the stripper rolls 8% and 81 must be adjusted according to the variations in diameters of different clearer rolls and the like, opposite ends of the front stripper roll 81 are journaled in forwardly and rearwardly adjustable bearing blocks 84 and 84' (Figures 15 and 4, respectively) each of which has a dove-tailed portion 85 on the outer surface thereof which slidably fits in a mating dove-tailed groove in each of a pair of vertically adjustable guide blocks 86 and 86' (Figures 13, 14 and 15). The rear portions of the vertically adjusted guide blocks 86 and 86' have respective inwardly projecting bearing portions 87 and 87' thereon in which opposite ends of the rear stripper roll are suitably journaled.

Since the means for supporting the ends of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 are identical at both sides of the machine, except opposite hand, only the parts associated with the bearing block 84 and the guide block 86 will be further described and those parts associated with the bearing block 84' and the guide block 86' will bear the same reference characters with the prime notation added.

The front and rear ends of the guide block 86 are mounted for vertical sliding movement in the proximal sides of respective front and rear upright portions 90 and 91 (Figures 13, 14 and 15) of a roll stand broadly designated at 92. The lower ends of the upright members 90 and 91 are suitably secured to a bottom member or plate 94 and the upper ends of the upright members 90 and 91 have opposite ends of an upper roll stand member 95 suitably secured thereto. The roll stand 92 is suitably secured to the upper surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10 adjacent the outer wall of the slot 29 (Figure 15) and the roll stand 92' is suitably secured to the top wall or cover 33 of the front cabinet section 10 adjacent the end of the transverse slot 28 remote from the slot 29 and the roll stand 92.

The upper roll stand member 95 is slidably or loosely penetrated by a threaded shaft 96 having a knurled knob or other suitable handle 97 fixed to its upper end. The threaded shaft 96 is disposed substantially centrally of the upper roll stand bar 95 and also threadably penetrates the medial portion of the guide block 86. The lower end of the threaded shaft 96 loosely or slidably penetrates bottom bar 94 of the roll stand 92 and has an enlarged portion or collar 100 (Figure 14) fixed on the lower end thereof which slidably and rotatably engages the upper surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10.

The enlarged portion or collar 100 on the lower end of the threaded shaft 96 is also rotatably mounted in the lower portion of the plate or bar 94 and, thus, prevents upward and downward movement of the shaft 96. Thus, by rotating the shaft 96, the bearing blocks 84 and 87 may be vertically adjusted, in unison, to vary the distance between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and the upper surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10.

The front portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the guide block 86 have respective upper and lower substantially L-shaped plates 101 and 102 suitably secured thereto (Figures 13 and 15) which extend inwardly toward the center of the machine and then forwardly beyond the front upright member 90 of the roll stand 92 and are held in proper spaced relation to each other by a spacing block or nut 103. The spacing block 103 is threadably penetrated by a threaded horizontal adjustment shaft 104 having a suitable handle 105 on the front end thereof which is shown in the form of a knurled knob.

The bearing block 84 is also slidably mounted between the rear portions of the upper and lower plates 101 and 102 and has a cavity 106 in the front end thereof (Figure 13) in which an enlarged portion or collar 107 on the rear end of the shaft 104 is positioned. The cavity 106 is partially closed by a plate 110 suitably secured to the front end of the bearing block 84 and which is slidably or loosely penetrated by the threaded shaft 104.

Thus, manual rotation of the adjustment screw 104 will cause either forward or rearward movement to be imparted to the front bearing block 84 relative to the guide block 86 and its bearing block portion 87. It is thus seen that the stripper rolls 80 and 81 may be adjusted upwardly and downwardly in unison by rotative movement of the vertical adjustment screws 96 and 96' and the distance between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 may be varied by rotative movement of the horizontal adjustment screws 1194 and 104'.

Driving means for stripper rolls It will be observed in Figures 8 and that reduced corresponding ends of the stripper rolls 81 and have respective sprocket wheels or pulleys 111 and 111a fixed thereon which are engaged by a common sprocket chain or endless belt 112. The lower portion of the sprocket chain 11?. engages a sprocket wheel or pulley 113 (Figures 3 and 9) fixed on one end of a shaft 114 rotatably mounted in one side wall 115 of a combination transmission gear and clutch housing broadly designated at 116. The housing 1 16 also comprises a side wall 117, front and rear end walls 12 and 121 and top and bottom walls 122 and 123.

The housing 116 rests upon, and is suitably secured to, a transverse plate 124 (Figure 3) which spans the distance between, and is suitably secured to, a pair of for wardly and rearwardly extending frame members or channel bars 125 and 126. The front ends of the channel bars 125 and 126 are suitably secured to the inner surface of the front wall 12 of the front cabinet section 11 and the rear ends of the channel bars 125 and. 126 are suitably secured to the partition 23.

The endless belt or sprocket chain 112 is maintained taut by a suitably take-up mechanism in the form of an arm 127 which is pivotally supported, as at 130, on the partition 23 (Figures 3 and 8) and has a sprocket wheel or pulley 131 rotatably mounted on the free end thereof and engaging the endless belt or sprocket chain 112. One

end of a tension spring 132 is connected to the arm 127 and the other end thereof is suitably connected to the wall or partition 23.

The inner end of the shaft 114 has a relatively large bevel gear 134 fixed thereon which meshes with a pair of diametrically opposed relatively small transmission bevel gears 135 and 136, the hub of each of which is shown in the form of a clutch member 137 (Figures 9, l0 and 12). it will be observed in Figure 12 that each of the clutch members 137 has a pair of substantially diametrically opposed toothed segments 140 thereon between which segmental cavities 141 are formed thereby and in which cavities opposite ends of a locking pin 142 are disposed. The locking pin is suitably secured to a drive shaft 143 on which the bevel gears 135 and 136 are mounted.

The clutch members 137 associated with the gears 135 and 136 are adapted to be alternately engaged by respective mating clutch members 144 and 145 suitably keyed for axial sliding movement on the shaft 143, but which are caused to rotate with the shaft 143. The axially movable or reciprocable clutch members 144- and 145 have respective peripheral grooves 146 and 147 therein in which the forked ends of respective yoke members 150 and 151 are. disposed. The yoke members 156 and 151 extend radially from the respective clutch members 144 and 145 and are fixed on an axially reciprocable shifting shaft 152 mounted for longitudinal sliding movement at opposite ends thereof in the end walls 120 and 121 of the housing 116.

The shaft 152 has a pair of closely spaced collars 153 fixed thereon between which a shifting pin 154 is disposed. The shifting pin 154 is eccentrically mounted on, and projects inwardly from, a disk or lever 155 fixed on the inner end of a shaft 156. The shaft 156 is oscillatably mounted in the wall 117 of the housing 116 and the outer end thereof has a crank arm 160 fixed thereon to which one end of a link 161 is pivotally connected (Figures 8 and 9).

The other end of the link 161 is pivotally connected to a solenoid plunger 162 surrounded by a solenoid coil 163. It will be observed in Figure 18 that the wire or conductor 76 remote from the solenoid coil 74 is connected to one end of the solenoid coil 163 and the other end of the solenoid coil 163 has a wire or conductor 164 connected thereto which extends to a lead wire or conductor 165.

Referring again to Figures 3, 8, 9 and 10, it will be of the shaft 143 extends outwardly through the end wall.

121 and has a pulley 166 fixed thereon which is engaged by an endless belt 167. The endless belt 167 extends upwardly (Figure 8) and is also mounted on a pulley 170 fixed on a motor shaft 171 extending from an electric motor 172. The electric motor 172 is suitably secured to a motor support plate 173 carried by the upper wall 122 of the housing 116 (Figure 3). The motor 172 has wires or. conductors 174 and 175 extending therefrom. The wire 174. is, connected to lead wire 165 and wire 17 5 is connected to a magnetic starter to be later described.

It will be observed in Figures 9 and 18 that one end. of the shifting shaft 153 is disposed within a tubular portion 176 whose outer end is closed by a threaded closure member 177. Disposed within the tubular portion 176 is a compression spring 180 which bears against the corresponding end of the shifting shaft 153 and, thus, normally urges the same from left to right in Figure 9 or from right to left in Figure 18.

It is thus seen that the clutch member 144 is normally urged into engagement with the clutch member 137 of bevel gear 135. for transmitting rotation thereto while the clutch member 145 is normally out of engagement relative to the clutch member 137 associated with gear 136. Thus, since the shaft 143 is driven by the. electric motor 172, the bevel gear 135 imparts rotation to the bevel gear 134 to impart rotation to the stripper rolls 80 and 81 in a counterclockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18.

Upon energization of the solenoid coil 163, the shaft 156 is rotated a partial revolution whereby the pin 154 causes the shifting rod or shaft 152 to move from right to left in Figure 9 and to thereby move the movable clutch member 145-into engagement with the clutch member 137 on gear 136, as the other movable clutch member 144 moves out of engagement with the clutch member 137 on gear 135.

The arcuate or segmental cavities 141 in each of the clutch members 137 are provided to permit the corresponding-clutch members 137 to rotate a partial revolution independently of the shaft 143 before effecting rotation to the shaft 143. This insures that the teeth on the proximal surfaces of the mating clutch members are in proper engagement before they are placed under a load. It is evident that, upon the movable clutch member 145 being moved into operative position relative to the clutch member 137 of the gear 136, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 will then rotate in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18.

Roll ejector mechanism The means for controlling the transfer mechanism 50 and the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and the ejector mechanism will be later described. However, it might be stated that, in operation, as each successive roll R is directed onto the stripper rolls 80 and 81, the stripper rolls are then rotating in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and i8 and continue this rotation for a period of, say, 30 seconds, during which time the fibers or other loose matter on the corresponding roll R are substantially parallelized and matted against the periphery of the roll R.

The direction of rotation of the rolls 80 and 81 is then reversed, during which time they rotate in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 4 for a period of, say, fifteen seconds and during which the suction means causes the matted fibers to be withdrawn from the roll R disposed upon and between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 in the form of a web. Thereafter, the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 is again reversed so they rotate in their original or clockwise direction and, at which time, the ejector mechanism operates to eject the. roll R 9 from between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 while, substantially simultaneously, the transfer mechanism 50 again operates to release a succeeding roll R to be cleaned.

The ejector mechanism, broadly designated at 185, is most clearly illustrated in Figures 4, 7 and 18 and comprises a horizontally disposed substantially vertically reciprocable ejector bar 186. The ejector bar of the'ejec'tor mechanism 185 is disposed between the lower portions of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and in closer proximity to the rear stripper roll 80 than it is to the front stripper roll 81. The ejector bar 186 is also spaced closely beneath and to one side of the vertical axis of the particular roll R which is being operated upon by the stripper rolls 80 and 81 as shown in Figure 4.

The ejector bar 186 is fixed to the upper ends of a pair of transversely spaced ejector bar supports or rods 187 which extend downwardly and rearwardly at an angle and are mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in corresponding guide blocks 190. The guide block-s 190 extend through the top wall or cover 33 of the front cabinet section and are suitably secured thereto as by welding.

The lower ends of the ejector bar supports 187 are pivotally connected to corresponding ends of rocker arms 191. It will be noted that the lower ends of the ejector bar supports 187 are connected to the rocker arms 191 by being bent at right angles at the lower ends thereof and each of the rocker arms 191 has an angularly disposed slot 192 in one end thereof for reception of the right-angularly bent portion of the corresponding ejector bar support 187 (Figures 4 and 18). The slot 192 merely facilitates relative movement between the lower ends of the ejector bar supports 187 and the rocker arms 191, since the ejector bar supports 187 move in a straight line while the rocker arms 191 move in an arcuate path. The rocker arms are fixed, at the ends thereof remote from the rods 187, on opposite ends of a rocker shaft 193. The rocker shaft 193 is journaled in a pair of bearing blocks 194 whose upper ends are fixed to the lower surface of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10. The lower ends of the bearing blocks 194 are spanned by a bar or frame member 195, suitably secured to the bearing blocks 194.

The ejector bar 186 is normally urged to a lowered or inoperative position, as shown in Figure 4, by a tension spring 196, the upper end of which is suitably connected to the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10 and the lower end of which is connected to the free end of a crank arm 197 fixed on a medial portion of the rocker shaft 193. The free end of the crank arm 197 also has the upper end of a link 200 pivotally connected thereto which extends downwardly through a slot or notch 201 (Figure 7) formed in the bar 195 and is pivotally connected to the upper end of a solenoid plunger 202.

The solenoid plunger 202 is surrounded by a solenoid coil 203 suitably insulatably secured to an angle bracket or angle clip 204. The angle bracket 204 is suitably secured to the partition 23 disposed between the front and rear sections 10 and 11 of the cabinet. Wires or conductors 206 and 207 are connected to opposite ends of the solenoid coil 203 and extend to an electrical timing device to be later described.

It is evident that, upon energization of the solenoid coil 203, the solenoid plunger 202 moves downwardly in Figures 4, 7 and 18 thereby causing the bar 186 of the ejector mechanism 185 to dart upwardly, striking the roll R disposed between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 and causing the same to be thrown upwardly and forwardly over the stripper roll 81 and whereupon the cleaned roll R will then fall upon a suitable discharge chute or tray 210 resting upon the front portion of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10. This tray or chute 210 may be constructed in any desired manner and is shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4 as being formed from a relatively thin material, such as sheet metal, and having an upwardly projecting lip 211 at the rear edge thereof to prevent the ejected rolls R from falling beneath the front stripper roll 81. The bottom of the tray or discharge chute 210 is inclined forwardly and downwardly at a slight angle and its front edge terminates in substantially the same vertical plane as the front edge of the top wall 33 of the front cabinet section 10 so that a suitable truck, box or other container may be positioned adjacent the front wall 12 and doors 21 and 22 of the front cabinet section 10 and into which the cleaned rolls R will fall as they are ejected.

Suction or vacuum cleaning device It will be observed in Figures 1, l-A, 3, 4, 5 and 8 that a relatively narrow enclosed throat portion 220 of a suction or vacuum cleaning device, broadly designated at 221, projects upwardly through the transverse slot 28 in the top wall or cover 33 of the front cabinet section 10. This throat portion 220 of the suction device is preferably formed of sheet metal and is substantially rectangular in plan. The upper end of the throat 220 of the suction device 221 terminates in closely spaced relation beneath the roll R being operated upon by the stripper rolls and 81 and has a nozzle member 222 removably mounted in the upper end thereof.

In this instance, the nozzle member 222 is shown in the form of an elongated channel-shaped or inverted U-shaped member formed from sheet material and the downturned flanges thereof fit in substantially U-shaped portions 223 (Figure 5) formed in opposite front and rear walls of the throat 220. The web or horizontal portion of the channel-shaped nozzle 222 has a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced slots 224 therein which are disposed in close proximity to and beneath the roll R being operated upon by the stripper rolls 80 and 81.

The slots 224 are preferably of the same length as, and disposed in alinement with, the usual bosses or cots on the clearer rolls R. It is evident that different nozzle members would be used for clearer rolls R having bosses of different lengths or which are spaced diiferently than others. Thus, the nozzle member 222 may be readily lifted out of the U-shaped portions 223 and another nozzle member substituted therefor, as desired. In the event that clearer rolls being cleaned have a continuous surface, that is, having no bosses, there would be only one continuous slot in the nozzle 222 instead of a plurality of slots 224.

The throat 220 is connected to a downwardly extending body portion 225 whose front and rear walls flare outwardly or extend in diverging relation to each other and whose side walls converge downwardly and the walls of the body portion of the suction device 221 are connected to the upper end of a pipe or conduit 226. The pipe 226, which is also preferably made from sheet metal, extends downwardly through the floor on which the cabinet rests and may be connected to the conventional system usually employed in textile mills for carrying excess textile fibers and the like away from various parts of the mill.

If desired, the pipe 226 may terminate beneath the floor on which the cabinet rests and merely directs the residual fibers and strand material removed from the rolls R into the room beneath the room in which improved apparatus is disposed. In order to create suction at the nozzle 222, a suitable suction means in the form of an electric blower or fan having blades 230 is disposed within the pipe 226. In this instance, the blades 230 are fixed on a motor shaft 231 projecting downwardly from a motor 232 suitably secured to a transverse frame member or support 233 which spans the distance between, and is suitably secured to, diametrically opposed inner surfaces of the pipe 226.

In order to permit access to the suction device comprising the blades 230, the motor 232 and shaft 231, the pipe 226 has an access opening 234 therein which is adapted tobe closed: by a curved door or closurecmember 235. hingedly mounted on the pipe 226. In thisinstance,

the door 235 has: a vertical slot 236 adjacent the free edge thereof which registers with a turn knob 237 for locking the door 235 in closed position. The knob 237' is rotatably supported by the pipe 226 adjacent the right-hand side of the opening 234 in Figure-3. The electric motor Electrical circuit It will be observed in Figure 3 that the front surface of the partition 23 also has a relay 245, a magnetic starter 246 and a time-delay-relay 247 suitably secured thereto. A suitable manual starter switch 248 is suitably secured to the inner surface of the side wall 14 and has respective start and. stop push. buttons 251 and 252 projecting outwardly therefrom which slidably penetrate the side wall 14 of the front cabinet section 1t).

Now, referring to Figure 18, it will be observed that the. elements 245 R1248, inclusive, are shown schematidaily in broken lines. The start push button 251 has a start switch bar 253 which normally occupies an open position and which, when manually depressed, is closed to complete a circuit between wires or conductors 255 and 261. On the other hand, the stop push button 252 has. a switch bar 256 thereon which normally occupies a closed position to close a circuit between a wire or conductor 257 and awire or conductor 260, to which the end' of the wire 255 remote from the switch bar 253 is connected.

The end of the wire 261 remote from the stop switch 256 and the wire 165 are connected to a connector adapted to be connected to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown. The end of the wire 269 remote from the manual starter switch 248 is connected to one side of a solenoid or magnetic coil 264, to the other end of which a wire or conductor 265 is connected, which wire 265 is connected intermediate the ends of the lead wire 165. Thus, upon an operator depressing the start push button 251, a circuit is completed to the solenoid or magnetic coil 264 and causes a plunger 266 of the magnetic starter 246 to move downwardly in Figure 18 and to thereby move a pair of switch bars a and b to closed position.

The switch a then maintains the circuitto the: solenoid coil. 264, since. they start switch bar 253 immediately returns to open position upon the push button 251 being released by the operator. The circuit is then completed to the coil 264 by a wire or conductor 267 extending from the lead wire 261 to one side of the switch bar a and current flows through the switch bar a, through wire 257, switch bar 256 and wire 260 to the solenoid coil 264.

Of course, upon the operator depressing the-stop push button 252, the circuit to the solenoid coil 264 is then broken to return the switch bars a and b to open position. The switch bar b is connected to the wire 267 by means of a conductor or wire 270 and, when closed, the switch bar b directs current to a wire or conductor 271 which enters the time-delay-relay mechanism 247 and is connected to a terminal or contact 0. Disposed adjacent contact is a mating contact or terminal d to which one end of a wire or conductor 272 is. connected.

The other end of the wire or conductor 272 is con.- nected to a terminal of a normally open delay switch 273. The other terminal of the delay switch 273 has a wire or conductor 274 connected thereto which extends into the relay housing 245 and is connected to one side of a relay coil 275. Theother side of the relay coil 275 has one end of a conductor or Wire 276 connected thereto whose other end is connected to'the lead wire 165.

There are various types of time-delay-relay devices which may be employed in association with the present invention and, in this instance, a tiine-delay-rela-ymechanism of a type known as a Square D, class 9050-, type RG9E, time-delay-relay mechanism may be employed. The time-delay-relay mechanism 247 includes a suitable housing 280 having a diaphragm 28-1 therein which is normally retarded as to its downward movement in Figure 18 by suitable valves, only one of which is shown in the form of a screw 282 which controls the rate at which air may be exhausted from within the housing 280 through a port 282a.

It is well known to those familiar with the art that the diaphragm 281 in this type oftime-delay-relay mechanism can move upwardly instantaneously while its downward movement is delayed according to predetermined adjustment of the valve or valves 232. The medial portion of the diaphragm 281 has one end of a delay shaft 283 fixed thereto which extends downwardly in Figure 18 and has an insulation cap 284 on thelower end thereof which is normally biased into engagement with the insulated upper end of a solenoid plunger 285 by a compression spring 286.

The compression spring 286 engages a laterally extending portion of a substantially L-shaped arm 287 integral with the lower portion of the delay shaft 283. The upper end of the vertical leg of the L-shaped portion 287 of the delay shaft 283' has one end of a lever 290 pivotally connected thereto which is pivotally supported intermediate the ends thereof, as at 221, and has a second time-delay switch bar 292 pivotally connected thereto which is normally spaced immediately above the contacts or terminals 0 and d. The switch bar 292 normally engages a pair of contacts or terminals e and f which have the proximal ends of respective wires or conductors 294 and 295 connected thereto.

Terminal 0 is connected intermediate the ends of wire 25 5 by a wire or conductor 296 and the end of wire 295 remote from the terminal f is connected to a terminal or' contact g normally spaced from a switch bar 297 fixed to the lower end of the solenoid plunger 285 in Figure 18.

A mating terminal or contact 12 is spaced from the terminal or contact g and has the end of the wire 2% remote from the solenoid coil 203 connected thereto. The end of wire 294 remote from terminal e is connected to one end of a solenoid coil 390 which surrounds the plunger 285 and, to the other end of which a wire or conductor 301- is connected. The end of the wire 3111 remote from the coil 3% is connected to the lead wire and the end of the wire 207 remote from the solenoid coil 203 is connected intermediate the ends of the wire 301 or it may be connected directly to the lead wire 165, as desired.

The switch 273 is biased toward closed position by a compression spring 304 which normally urges a projection 395' on the switch 273 into engagement with. an arm 306-projecting laterally from the delay shaft 283.

A switch bar 397 disposed adjacent the coil 275. of relay 245 ncrrnally assumes an open position, but when closed, the switch bar 397 closes a circuit between the wire 274 and a wire or conductor 310 connected intermediate the ends of the wire 76 which, as heretofore stated, is connected at opposite. ends thereof? to the solenoid coils 74 and 163. The'wire 77 extending from the other end of coil 74 is. connected to the lead wire 165. The end of wire remote'from the motor 172 is connected to wire 271- extending from the magnetic start- Method of operation and 35 until the leading roll R engages the then operativefront arresting bar 53 as shown in Figures 4 and 18. The start'push button 251 is then depressed by the operator to energize the coil 264 of the magnetic starter 246, whereupon the switch bars a and b move to closed position. Upon initial energization of the coil 264 of the magnetic starter 246, the coil 300 of the time-delay-relay 247 is energized and the electric motors 172 and 232 are energized. Of course, the fan blades 230 then rotate to create suction at the openings 224 in the nozzle 222 of the suction device 221 and rotation is also imparted to the shaft 143 in the combination gear and clutch housing 116 (Figures 3, 9, 10, 12 and 18).

Upon energization of the coil 300 of the time-delayrelay mechanism 247, the plunger 285 moves upwardly in Figure 18 causing the switch bar 297 to engage the terminals h and g and, in so doing, the plunger 285 also moves the delay shaft 283 upwardly and, immediately after the switch bar 297 is moved to closed position, the switch 273 moves to closed position.

As the switch 273 moves to closed position, the terminals g and h are biased upwardly with continued movement of the delay shaft 283, thereby moving the arm 306 out of engagement with the projection 305 on the switch 273. Also, at the time the switch 273 moves to closed position the switch bar 292 moves out of engagement with the terminals e and f and engages and biases the terminals c and d downwardly slightly in Figure 18 to thereby break the circuit to the coil 300. Although the closing of the switch bar 287 and switch 273 overlap somewhat, this is of no consequence in the proper function of the apparatus. However, since the switch bar 297 moves to closed position prior to the switch 273, the flow of current efiected by the movement of the switch bar 297 to closed position will be first described.

When the switch bar 297 is in closed position, current flows from the switch bar b in the magnetic starter 246, through the Wires 271, 296 and 295, through switch bar 297 and wire 206 to the solenoid coil 203 associated with the ejector mechanism 185. Current continues through coil 203 and wires 207 and 301 to lead wire 165 thus completing the circuit to the solenoid coil 203. Although a roll R is not present, at this time, between the stripper rolls 80 and 81, energization of coil 203 causes the ejector bar 187 to dart upwardly and forwardly at an angle between the stripper rolls 80 and 81.

Since the switch bar 297 and solenoid plunger 287 are normally biased downwardly in Figure 18, immediately upon the switch bar 292 moving out of engagement with the terminals e and f, the circuit to the coil 300 will be broken and the switch bar 297 will return to open position to permit the ejector bar 186 of the ejector mechanism 185 to return the inoperative position shown in Figures 4 and 18.

Now, immediately following the upward movement of the ejector bar 186, the movement of the switch bar 292 in the time-delay-relay mechanism 247 into engagement with the terminals c and 0., causes current to flow from the switch bar 12 in the magnetic starter 246, through the wire 271, switch bar 292, wire 272, switch 273 and wire 274 to the relay coil 275 in the relay 245. Current then flows through the coil 275 and wire 276 to the lead wire 165 thereby energizing the coil 275. This immediately causes the switch bar 387 to move to closed position, whereupon the circuit is completed simultaneously to both of the coils 74 and 163.

As heretofore stated, this causes the movable clutch member 145 to move into engagement with the clutch member 137 of the gear 136 as the movable clutch member 144 is moved out of engagement with the clutch member 137 of the gear 135 and which, in turn, causes the stripper rolls 8i} and 81 to rotate in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18.

Also, upon energization of the solenoid coil 74, the rocker arms or levers 65 move in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18 thereby reversing the positions of the front and rear arresting bars 53 and 54 of the transfer mechanism 50. The leading roll R; that is, the roll R which was previously'in'engagement with the front arresting bar 53, is then released as the next succeeding roll R is maintained in its original position by the rear arresting bar 54.

It is evident that the leading roll R will then move, by gravity, along the bottom platform or chute 35 and will fall off the end thereof onto the stripper rolls and 81 which, by that time, will have started rotating in a clockwise direction (Figures 4 and 18).

While the stripper rolls 80 and 81 are rotating in a clockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18, the rear arresting bar 54 remains in raised or operative position and the delay mechanism 247 is so adjusted that the stripper rolls 80 and 81 will then impart rotation to the corresponding roll R disposed therebetween for a period of, say, fifteen to thirty seconds, during the course of which the roll R being cleaned will rotate in a counter-clockwise direction to smooth out and substantially parallelize the residual fibers and strands thereon and to form them into a mat loosely adhering to the periphery of the roll R being cleaned. Of course, a few of the fibers will be dislodged during this initial rotating movement of the roll R being cleaned and these fibers will be drawn through the openings 224 in the nozzle member 222 and carried away through the pipe 226, due to the suction fan blades 230.

Now, the time-delay-relay mechanism is also so adjusted that, during the course of downward movement of the delay shaft 283, the arm 306 thereon will engage the projection 305 on switch 273, to move the switch 273 to open position while the switch bar 292 remains in engagement with the contacts or terminals c and d. It is evident that this will break the circuit to the coil 275 of the relay 245 and will thereby break the circuit to the solenoid coils 74 and 163. The spring 71 will then cause the front arresting bar 53 to return to raised or operative position as the rear arresting bar 54 is returned to lowered or inoperative position, whereupon a succeeding roll R will then be positioned against the front arresting bar 53 preparatory to a repeat operation.

Also, at the time that the front arresting bar 53 of the transfer mechanism is returned to operative position, the spring 180 causes the shifting shaft 152 in the housing 116 to move from left to right in Figure 9 to return the clutch member 144 to operative position as the clutch member 145 is moved to inoperative position and to thereby reverse the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81. In this instance, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 will then rotate in a counterclockwise direction in Figures 4 and 18.

The stripper rolls 80 and 81 are caused to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction for a predetermined period of, say, fifteen to thirty seconds, due to the further delaying action of the time-delay-relay mechanism 247, since there is a lapse of time between the time at which the switch 273 is moved to open position and the time at which the switch bar 292 again engages the terminals or contacts e and f.

It might be stated that the relay 245 could possibly be omitted, if the wire 274 were connected directly to a medial portion of the wire 76. However, the relay 245 is provided for convenience in connecting the various conductors to the time-delay-relay mechanism 247 and also to further slightly delay the operation of the clutch mechanism disposed within the housing 116 and the relative reciprocation of the arresting bars 53 and 54 as compared to the operation of the ejector mechanism 185.

A most important feature of the present invention is embodied in the rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 in first one direction and then in the other while a single roll R is being cleaned since the initial rotation of the stripper rolls 80 and 81 substantially parallelizes or smooths out the fibers or other residual matter on each successive roll R as it is directed thereto and, upon reversing their direction of rotation, the stripper rolls 80 and 81 cause the residual fibers and strand material to unwind from the particular roll R being operated upon by thestripper rolls 80 and 81 due tothe constantly moving air currents effected at the apertures or openings 224 in the nozzle 222 of the suction device 221.

Of course, the residual fibers and strand material are caused to be unwound from the roll R disposed between the stripper rolls 80 and 81 due to the suction means and, thus, the residual fibers, strand material and the like are carried away through the pipe 226.

After the stripper rolls 80 and 81 have rotated in said reverse or counter-clockwise direction for a given period of, say, fifteen to thirty seconds, the switch bar 292 moves into engagement with the terminals or contacts e and f to again complete the circuit to the solenoid coil 300 to effect a repeat operation of the various movable parts of the mechanism of the apparatus as heretofore described. Of course, since there will then be a roll R positioned etween and above the stripper rolls 80 and 81, the sudden upward movement of theejector bar 186 will cause the same to strike the roll R at substantially the same time that the stripper rolls 80 and 81 are caused to resume their original direction of movement or clockwise movement, in this instance. As the ejector bar 186 strikes the roll R disposed between the stripper rolls 80 and 81, this will propel the roll R upwardly and over the front stripper roll 81, whereupon the roll R will fall onto the tray or discharge chute 210 to be discharged into a suitable container, not shown.

Although specific delay mechanisms and the like are shown in Figure 18, it is evident that various modifications may be made in the particular manner in which the electrical devices are arranged without departing from the spirit of the invention. Of course, there are also other specific ways in which the transfer mechanism, the ejector mechanism 185 and the stripper rolls 80 and 81 may be constructed and operated also without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is thus seen that there is provided an improved method for stripping loose fibers from textile rolls wherein rolls may be stacked on the magazine 32 and successively released one at a time and directed onto the stripper rolls 80 and 81 in timed relation to the direction of rotation of the stripper rolls 80v and 81, and each cleaned roll R is automatically ejected from the stripper rolls 80 and 81 immediately prior to a succeeding roll R being directed to the stripper rolls 80 and 81, thus providing a method by which the roll stripping operation may be carried out continuously.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. That method of removing previously collected random fibers and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like which comprises rotating said clearer rolls in engagement with at least one rotatable stripper roll first in one direction and then in the other direction while subjecting the rolls to suction currents to thereby cause said fibers to be withdrawn from the rolls.

2. That method of removing previously collected fibers i5 and the like from textile clearer rolls which includes rotating said clearer rolls in engagement with rotatable stripper rolls first in one direction and then in the other direction while creating suction currents immediately adjacent said clearer rolls for withdrawing the fibers therefrom.

3. That methodv of removing previously collected fibers and thelike from textile clearer rolls which includes rotating said clearer rolls in engagement with at least one rotat able stripper roll first in one direction and then in the other direction while creating suction currents immediate- 1y adjacent said clearer rolls for withdrawing the fibers therefrom.

4. That method. of removing previously collected random fibers and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like which comprises the steps of applying pressure against the fibers 0n the peripheries of the rolls in one direction by rotating the clearer rolls in engagement with and at the same surface speed as a moving stripper element to at least partially parallelize said fibers and, thereafter, applying pressure against the fibers on the rolls in the opposite direction by rotating the clearer rolls in engagement with and at the same surface speed as the moving stripper element while subjecting the rolls to suction currents to thereby cause said fibers to be withdrawn from the rolls.

5. That method of removing indiscriminately positioned fibers and the like from textile clearer rolls and the like utilizing at least one horizontally disposed stripper roll which includes guiding the clearer rolls into contact with and in parallel relation to said stripper roll, one at a time, repeatedly rotating said striper roll first in one direction and then in the other direction, and while creating suction currents adjacent and in substantially parallel relation to said stripper roll.

6. That method of removing accumulated fibers and the like from textile clearer rolls utilizing a pair of closely spaced horizontally disposed stripper rolls which comprises successively feeding clearer rolls, one at a time, onto and between the stripper rolls, rotating said stripper rolls first in one direction and then in the other direction while creating suction currents immediately adjacent each successive clearer roll While it is upon the stripper rolls for withdrawing the fibers from each successive clearer roll and ejecting each successive clearer roll positioned upon and between the stripper rolls prior to each succeeding clearer roll being fed onto and between the stripper rolls.

7. That method of removing accumulated fibers and the like from textile clearer rolls utilizing a horizontally disposed stripper roll which comprises successively feeding clearer rolls, one at a time, onto the stripper roll, rotating said stripper roll first in one direction and then in the other direction while maintaining the corresponding clearer roll in parallel contact with the stripper roll and while creating suction currents immediately adjacent each successive clearer roll while it is upon the stripper roll for withdrawing the fibers from each successive clearer roll, and ejecting each successive clearer roll positioned upon the stripper roll prior to each succeeding clearer roll being fed onto the stripper roll.

No references cited. 

1. THAT METHOD OF REMOVING PREVIOUSLY COLLECTED RANDOM FIBERS AND THE LIKE FROM TEXTILE CLEARER ROLLS AND THE LIKE WHICH COMPRISES ROTATING SAID CLEARER ROLLS IN ENGAGEMENT WITH AT LEAST ONE ROTATABLE STRIPPER ROLL FIRST IN ONE DIRECTION AND THEN IN THE OTHER DIRECTION WHILE SUBJECTING THE ROLLS TO SUCTION CURRENTS TO TEHREBY CAUSE SAID FIBERS TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE ROLLS. 